Why: Because every neighborhood deserves a little jewel of a place like the Red Cat. Between the eclectic, funky décor and consistently inspired takes on American dishes that (gasp!) aren’t touted as comfort food, there’s a reason this place has been here forever. What to order off the RW menu: The quick sauté of zucchini is a wonderful Red cat staple, get it as an appetizer, or go for the red and yellow watermelon salad with feta and basil oil. Summery! Follow with gorgeous fried chicken with garlic mashed potatoes or, if you don’t want quite that much of a food coma, the grilled brook trout with shiitakes and grapefruit butter. Dessert: Pistachio semifreddo with fudge and pink peppercorns. No question. (See the full menu here.)

FYI: Everychef and their mother may be getting wacky with bacon now – bacon cupcakes! bacon ice cream! – but way back in late 2004, chef Bill McDaniel was an early pork pioneer when he created bacon tempura on a lark.